What is the main purpose of NFPA 473?

The primary purpose of NFPA 473 is to establish the necessary competencies for emergency medical service (EMS) personnel to ensure their safety and effectiveness in performing their duties. This standard outlines the training and education requirements for EMS personnel responding to emergencies, contributing to overall patient and provider safety.

By addressing the competencies, NFPA 473 indirectly helps to reduce accidents and exposures among EMS personnel, as trained responders are more knowledgeable about safe practices and protocols. However, it is not solely focused on reducing accidents; rather, it emphasizes the importance of preparing responders to handle various situations effectively, which in turn contributes to a safer operational environment.

Overall, while the intent of NFPA 473 supports the reduction of accidents and exposures, its main focus lies in defining the essential skills and competencies needed for EMS personnel.